Five Saudi women earn global recognition in 2026 Power 100 for transforming women’s sport

RIYADH: Five Saudi women have been recognized among the world’s most influential figures in women’s sport, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing role in shaping the sector both regionally and internationally.

Adwa Al-Arifi, Rasha Al-Khamis, Princess Nouf Al-Saud, Alanoud Althonayan and Lamia Bahaian have been named in the 2026 RAISE Power 100, an annual global list honoring leaders whose work is driving the growth of women’s sport through governance, investment, marketing and innovation.

Published each year by RAISE, the Power 100 recognizes executives, athletes, investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders making a significant impact across the global sports ecosystem. The list is compiled through industry nominations, independent research and advisory input, and is intended as a snapshot of those accelerating progress rather than a ranking.

The recognition comes as Saudi Arabia continues to expand opportunities for women in sport under Vision 2030, with growing participation rates, professional leagues and an increasing presence on the international sporting stage.

Among those honored is Adwa Al-Arifi, assistant minister for sport affairs at the Ministry of Sport, who has been at the forefront of the Kingdom’s sports transformation. She co-founded Saudi Arabia’s first women’s football club, helped to establish the country’s first women’s national football team, and became the first woman appointed to the board of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. She also played a key role in bringing the WTA Finals to Riyadh as Saudi Arabia expanded its portfolio of major international sporting events.

Rasha Al-Khamis, chairwoman of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation, was recognized for advancing women’s participation in